U.S. patent number 10,986,919 [Application Number 16/279,267] was granted by the patent office on 2021-04-27 for desk stabilizer bar.
This patent grant is currently assigned to CKnapp Sales, Inc.. The grantee listed for this patent is CKnapp Sales, Inc.. Invention is credited to Chance Knapp, Brandon Meyer.
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United States Patent |
10,986,919 |
Knapp , et al. |
April 27, 2021 |
Desk stabilizer bar
Abstract
Example composite material devices, apparatus, articles of
manufacture, and methods of manufacture are disclosed. An example
adjustable stabilizer bar includes: a first segment having a first
end and a second end; a second segment having a first end and a
second end, the first end of the second segment to at least
partially overlap the second end of the first segment; an
attachment mechanism to position the second segment with respect to
the first segment; a first clamping portion at the first end of the
first segment to removably affix the first segment to a first
furniture element; and a second clamping portion at the second end
of the second segment to removably affix the second segment to a
second furniture element.
Inventors: |
Knapp; Chance (Goodfield,
IL), Meyer; Brandon (Normal, IL) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CKnapp Sales, Inc. |
Goodfield |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
CKnapp Sales, Inc. (Goodfield,
IL)
|
Family
ID: |
1000005512595 |
Appl.
No.: |
16/279,267 |
Filed: |
February 19, 2019 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20200260862 A1 |
Aug 20, 2020 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B
21/03 (20130101); A47B 13/06 (20130101); A47B
2200/0016 (20130101); A47B 2013/028 (20130101); A47B
2200/0012 (20130101); A47B 2200/0015 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47B
13/06 (20060101); A47B 21/03 (20060101); A47B
13/02 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;248/200.1,231.41,323 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
"StandDesk Stabilizing Crossbar," retrieved from
https://www.standdesk.co/standdesk-stabilizing-crossbar/, on Mar.
5, 2019, 5 pages. cited by applicant .
VIVO, "VIVO Black Manual Height Adjustable Sit-Stand Desk with 55''
x 24'' Tabletop | Standing Desk Frame and Desktop Workstation
(DESK-V100M)," retrieved from
https://www.amazon.com/VIVO-Adjustable-Sit-Stand-Workstation-DESK-V100M/d-
p/B01ITHJMBI/, on Feb. 18, 2019, 8 pages. cited by
applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Ijaz; Muhammad
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Hanley, Flight and Zimmerman,
LLC
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An adjustable stabilizer bar to restrict motion in furniture,
the furniture having a first furniture element and a second
furniture element, the first furniture element spaced apart from
the second furniture element, the adjustable stabilizer bar
comprising: a first segment having a first end and a second end; a
second segment having a first end and a second end, the first end
of the second segment to at least partially overlap the second end
of the first segment; an attachment mechanism extending through the
first end of the first segment and through the second end of the
second segment to adjustably lock the at least partially overlapped
position of the second segment with respect to the first segment; a
first clamping portion at the first end of the first segment to
removably affix the first segment to the first furniture element;
and a second clamping portion at the second end of the second
segment to removably affix the second segment to the second
furniture element, wherein at least one of the first clamping
portion or the second clamping portion is formed by attaching a
U-shaped piece to at least one of the first end of the first
segment or the second end of the second segment to interact with at
least one bolt and a plate.
2. The adjustable stabilizer bar of claim 1, wherein the attachment
mechanism includes openings through which at least one of a screw,
bolt, or pin is inserted to position the second segment with
respect to the first segment.
3. The adjustable stabilizer bar of claim 1, wherein the first
clamping portion and the second clamping portion include at least
one bolt.
4. The adjustable stabilizer bar of claim 3, wherein at least one
of the first clamping portion or the second clamping portion
includes a plurality of bolts.
5. The adjustable stabilizer bar of claim 1, wherein at least one
of the first clamping portion or the second clamping portion is
formed by bending the respective at least one of the first end of
the first segment or the second end of the second segment to
approximately ninety degrees to interact with at least one bolt and
a plate.
6. The adjustable stabilizer bar of claim 1, wherein the first
furniture element includes a first desk leg, and wherein the second
furniture element includes a second desk leg.
7. The adjustable stabilizer bar of claim 1, wherein the second
segment is to overlap the first segment by sliding over the first
segment to be affixed in a position using at least one of a pin, a
screw, or a bolt.
8. The adjustable stabilizer bar of claim 1, wherein the overlap of
the second segment and the first segment is adjustable to adjust a
length of the stabilizer bar, and wherein at least one of the first
clamping portion or the second clamping portion is adjustable to
secure the stabilizer bar between the first furniture element and
the second furniture element.
9. The adjustable bar of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first
segment or the second segment is formed of metal.
10. A method of manufacturing an adjustable stabilizer bar to
restrict motion in furniture, the furniture having a first
furniture element and a second furniture element, the first
furniture element spaced apart from the second furniture element,
the method comprising: forming a first segment having a first end
and a second end; forming a second segment having a first end and a
second end, the first end of the second segment to at least
partially overlap the second end of the first segment; positioning
the second segment with respect to the first segment with an
attachment mechanism, the attachment mechanism extending through
the first end of the first segment and through the second end of
the second segment to adjustably lock the at least partially
overlapped position of the second segment with respect to the first
segment; forming a first clamping portion at the first end of the
first segment to removably affix the first segment to the first
furniture element; and forming a second clamping portion at the
second end of the second segment to removably affix the second
segment to the second furniture element.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the attachment mechanism
includes openings through which at least one of a screw, bolt, or
pin is inserted to position the second segment with respect to the
first segment.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the first clamping portion and
the second clamping portion include at least one bolt.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein at least one of the first
clamping portion or the second clamping portion includes a
plurality of bolts.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein at least one of forming the
first clamping portion or forming the second clamping portion
includes bending the respective at least one of the first end of
the first segment or the second end of the second segment to
approximately ninety degrees to interact with at least one bolt and
a plate.
15. The method of claim 10, wherein at least one of forming the
first clamping portion or forming the second clamping portion
includes attaching a U-shaped piece to at least one of the first
end of the first segment or the second end of the second segment to
interact with at least one bolt and a plate.
16. The method of claim 10, wherein the first furniture element
includes a first desk leg, and wherein the second furniture element
includes a second desk leg.
17. The method of claim 10, wherein the second segment is to
overlap the first segment by sliding over the first segment to be
affixed in a position using at least one of a pin, a screw, or a
bolt.
18. The method of claim 10, wherein the overlap of the second
segment and the first segment is adjustable to adjust a length of
the stabilizer bar, and wherein at least one of the first clamping
portion or the second clamping portion is adjustable to secure the
stabilizer bar between the first furniture element and the second
furniture element.
Description
BACKGROUND
The statements in this section merely provide background
information related to the disclosure and may not constitute prior
art.
Standing and/or other height-adjustable desks enable users to write
and/or while standing, sitting on a stool, etc. Standing desks can
be adjustable to suit particular environments, tasks, etc. For
example, legs of the standing desk can be adjustable to accommodate
a particular table height, person's height, etc. Use of a standing
and/or height-adjustable desk can provide ergonomic and/or other
health benefit to the user.
A standing and/or other height-adjustable desk can mount and/or
otherwise be positioned with respect to other furniture, such as a
regular desk, table, chair, etc. For example, the desk can be set
on, bolted to, and/or otherwise be positioned on top of another
piece of furniture such as a sitting desk, table, etc., to convert
a sitting desk or table to a standing desk. Other standing desks
are freestanding and provide an adjustable height to enable a
person to stand, rather than sit, and utilize the desk surface.
Standing desks offer many health benefits to users beyond typical
sitting desks. Studies show that sitting for too long is harmful to
a person's health and can be a contributing factor in developing
diabetes, cancer, high cholesterol, blood clots, heart problems,
and other harmful health conditions. More and more people, however,
have school work, jobs, and other activities that require them to
sit at a desk in front of a computer. A standing and/or other
height-adjustable desk allows a user to stand, rather than sit, and
still utilize the desk's surface for a laptop, tablet, paperwork,
etc.
Standing and/or other height-adjustable desks, however, suffer from
wobbling and/or other instability, which can impair a user's
ability to reliably, comfortably use the desk. Particularly at
taller height settings, the desk can be too unstable for use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 1-2 illustrate an example stabilizer bar.
FIGS. 3-8 provide additional views of the stabilizer bar of FIGS.
1-2.
FIGS. 9-18 illustrate various clamping configurations of the
stabilizer bar of FIGS. 1-8.
FIG. 19 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method of
manufacturing and/or otherwise forming the stabilizer bar of FIGS.
1-18.
The figures are not to scale. Instead, the thickness of the layers
or regions may be enlarged in the drawings. In general, the same
reference numbers will be used throughout the drawing(s) and
accompanying written description to refer to the same or like
parts. As used in this patent, stating that any part (e.g., a
layer, film, area, region, or plate) is in any way on (e.g.,
positioned on, located on, disposed on, or formed on, etc.) another
part, indicates that the referenced part is either in contact with
the other part, or that the referenced part is above the other part
with one or more intermediate part(s) located therebetween. Stating
that any part is in contact with another part means that there is
no intermediate part between the two parts. Although the figures
show layers and regions with clean lines and boundaries, some or
all of these lines and/or boundaries may be idealized. In reality,
the boundaries and/or lines may be unobservable, blended, and/or
irregular.
Descriptors "first," "second," "third," etc. are used herein when
identifying multiple elements or components which may be referred
to separately. Unless otherwise specified or understood based on
their context of use, such descriptors are not intended to impute
any meaning of priority or ordering in time but merely as labels
for referring to multiple elements or components separately for
ease of understanding the disclosed examples. In some examples, the
descriptor "first" may be used to refer to an element in the
detailed description, while the same element may be referred to in
a claim with a different descriptor such as "second" or "third." In
such instances, it should be understood that such descriptors are
used merely for ease of referencing multiple elements or
components.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is
shown by way of illustration specific examples that may be
practiced. These examples are described in sufficient detail to
enable one skilled in the art to practice the subject matter, and
it is to be understood that other examples may be utilized and that
logical, mechanical, electrical and/or other changes may be made
without departing from the scope of the subject matter of this
disclosure. The following detailed description is, therefore,
provided to describe example implementations and not to be taken as
limiting on the scope of the subject matter described in this
disclosure. Certain features from different aspects of the
following description may be combined to form yet new aspects of
the subject matter discussed below.
When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present
disclosure, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended
to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms
"comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be
inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than
the listed elements.
Certain examples provide an adjustable clamp-on desk and/or table
stabilizer. Certain examples provide a stabilizer bar designed to
clamp on to a furniture element such as the legs of a desk or
table. The bar is adjustable in length to fit many different desk
sizes by adjusting to fit the width of the desk's legs. At each end
of the bar is an adjustable clamp that tightens to each leg of the
desk to secure the stabilizer to the desk legs.
A large number of height adjustable desks currently available do
not include a stabilizer bar. As a result, such desks become
increasingly unstable as they are raised. That is, an adjustable
desk's best stability is found when the desk is in its lowest
position, unsuitable for most users. As the height of the desk is
raised, instability increases, often in proportion to height, as
the weight of the desk and the size of the legs create a tendency
for movement, particularly when interacted with by a user.
In addition, currently available stabilizer bars must be either
bolted in place or attached using another device such as hooks,
requiring the legs of the desk to include provisions for mounting
these stabilizers. Unfortunately, the majority of height adjustable
desks that do not include stabilizer bars also do not include
provisions for mounting currently available stabilizer designs. A
stabilizer bar with a mounting design not dependent on these
mounting provisions is needed to improve the stability of these
desks, and the stabilizer's mounting system must be sturdy enough
to firmly secure to the desk while providing the intended
function.
Certain examples provide a stabilizer which, by using clamps
combined with a telescopic design, is able to fit a majority of
ergonomic floor standing height adjustable desks currently
available. By attaching this product to the legs of the desk, the
instability often found in these desks is greatly reduced, allowing
for safer and more comfortable usage of the desk. In addition,
installation of the stabilizer is quick and simple, requiring no
modification to the desk.
A main stabilizer bar can be constructed using formed metal plates,
by using a metal bar inserted into metal tubing, or by using metal
tubing inserted into metal tubing of a larger size, for example. In
certain examples, the stabilizer bar is telescopic, allowing it to
extend to different lengths to fit desks and tables of many
different sizes. The length of the stabilizer bar can be secured by
inserting bolts into a series of aligned holes placed along the
length of the stabilizer bar, or by inserting bolts, screws, pins,
etc., into a series of aligned slots placed along the length of the
stabilizer bar, etc. A clamp is attached to each end of the
stabilizer bar, allowing the stabilizer to clamp onto the legs of
the desk or table. The clamp can have a single clamp bolt design or
a multiple clamp bolt design. The clamp can be attached to the
stabilizer bar using a series of bolts inserted through aligned
holes in the clamp and stabilizer bar, through slots in the
stabilizer bar aligned with holes in the clamp, or by welding
directly to the stabilizer bar, for example.
FIG. 1 illustrates an example stabilizer bar 100 positioned with
respect to first and second furniture elements, such as legs 102,
104 of a desk or table, etc. The example stabilizer bar 100
includes a first segment 110 and a second segment 120. Each
segment/portion 110, 120 includes a plurality of openings or holes
to allow the first segment 110 and second segment 120 to be
adjusted with respect to each other. Thus, a length of the
stabilizer bar 100 can be adjusted based on an overlap of the first
segment/portion 110 and the second segment/portion 120. A screw,
rod, bolt, pin, clamp, etc., can be used to secure a position of
the first segment 110 with respect to the second segment 120, or
vice versa, to set the length of the stabilizer bar 100, which may
be adjustable to accommodate different desk sizes/spacing between
legs 102, 104, for example. Thus, the stabilizer bar 100 can be
adjustable to fit a variety of desk/table sizes, for example.
Additionally, each end of the stabilizer bar 100 includes a clamp
or mounting portion 130, 140 attached to the bar 100 via one or
more screws, bolts, etc. 132, 142. The clamp/mounting 130, 140
allows the bar 100 to attach to the legs 102, 104. The clamp 130,
140 allows the bar 100 to be a "universal" clamp-on stabilizer bar
100 to adjustably clamp on to a variety of height-adjustable desks
at various lengths and/or heights with respect to the legs 102,
104, for example. Placement of the bar 100 can vary to provide
desired stability, such as placing the bar 100 in the center or
lower of the legs 102, 104 because the desk top is holding the top
of the legs 102, 104 at a specific distance, and the bar 100 locks
the middle or lower middle of the legs 102, 104 at a defined
distance as well (e.g., the same as the top distance or another
distance depending an angle, slope, taper, etc., of the legs 102,
104), for example.
If a desk is raised to a certain height, the desk and anything on
the desk (e.g., a monitor, keyboard, etc.) will shake when a user
is typing, moving a mouse, and/or otherwise interacting with items
on the desk, for example. The stabilizer bar 100 helps to prevent
the legs 102, 104 from being able to move so that user interaction
with items on the desk does not shake the desk or items on the
desk.
To provide strength in support, as well as ease of installation,
movable bolts and/or other clamp device(s) can be used to removably
affix the bar 100 between the legs 102, 104 of an adjustable desk.
In certain examples, padding can be added to the clamp 130, 140
(e.g., a soft thin foam or other material of a few millimeter
thickness, etc.) to help prevent scratches or other damage. In
certain examples, the clamping portion 130, 140 includes two bolts
in the clamp 130, 140 for stability (e.g., 1.5 inch clamps, etc.).
In other examples, a larger bolt allows for one to support the
clamp 130, 140 (e.g., to provide 3-4 inches of surface pressure in
one or more bolts to help ensure the leg 102, 104 does not move,
etc.).
In certain examples, the stabilizer bar 100 is a telescoping bar
100 including holes or openings 112, 122 spaced apart (e.g.,
approximately every 2 inches, etc.). As shown in the example of
FIG. 1, the bar segment 120 fits inside larger part 110 to slide in
and out and then lock in place at a desired distance with bolts,
screws, pins, etc. Thus, the bar 100 adjusts at a spacing interval
(e.g., 1 inch, 2 inches, 3 inches, etc.), and the end clamps 130,
140 can adjust an additional distance (e.g., up to 2 inches, up to
3 inches, up to 4 inches, etc.) to allow fine adjustments to bar
100 length between the legs 102, 104 (e.g., to set a bar 100 length
with segments 110, 120 and then adjust the clamps 130, 140 for an
exact fit between the legs 102, 104 such as by a few millimeters
adjustment, a few inches adjustment, etc.). In certain examples,
the stabilizer bar 100 (e.g., its segments or portions 110, 120,
etc.) is formed from cold roll steel (e.g., sheet metal, etc.),
aluminum, etc.
FIG. 2 depicts the example stabilizer bar 100 in space without
showing its attachment to the legs 102, 104. As shown in the
example of FIG. 2, the clamp portion 130, 140 includes a plurality
of bolts 134, 136, 144, 146 to position the bar 100 with respect to
object such as the legs 102, 104, etc. The bolts 134-136, 144-146
are movable (e.g., twistable, screwable, pushable, pullable, etc.)
to allow adjustment depending on the size of the legs 102, 104
and/or other object to which the bar 100 is being removably
attached. As shown in the example back or rear view of FIG. 2, the
portions 110, 120 of the stabilizer bar 100 can be affixed with one
or more screws, bolts, rivets, etc., 150, 152 to set a desired
length for the bar 100. The bolts 134-136, 144-146 of the clamp
portions 130, 140 can be used to fine-tune positioning of the bar
100 with respect to the legs 102, 104, for example.
FIGS. 3-8 provide additional views of the stabilizer bar 100 shown
and described with respect to FIGS. 1-2. For example, FIG. 3
provides an example back or inside view of the bar such as shown in
the example of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 provides an example front or outside
view of the bar 100 such as shown in the example of FIG. 1. FIGS.
5-6 show example end views of the stabilizer bar 100. FIGS. 7-8
show example side views of the stabilizer bar 100.
FIG. 9 illustrates an example configuration for the stabilizer
clamp 130, 140. In the example of FIG. 9, an end 910 of the
stabilizer bar 100 is bent 90 degrees forward to create half of the
clamp 910. The other half of the clamp, including an adjustable
clamp bolt 134 and a plate 920, is attached to the stabilizer bar
100 via a segment 930. Using the bolt 134 and the plate 920,
positioning of the clamp 130, 140 with respect to the leg 102, 104
can be adjusted (e.g., fine-tuned, etc.) after the stabilizer bar
100 has been positioned between the legs 102, 104. Thus, an exact
fit supporting the legs 102, 104 can be achieved with the
stabilizer 100 via the clamping mechanism 130, 140 such as shown in
the example of FIG. 9.
FIG. 10 shows another example configuration for the stabilizer
clamp 130, 140. In the example of FIG. 10, the clamp 130, 140 is
formed from a U-shaped piece 1010 attached to the stabilizer bar
100. The clamp bolt 134 and the plate 920 connect to the U-shaped
segment 1010. The U-shaped piece 1010 can be constructed of a
single formed piece or by assembling a series of piece designed to
fit together, for example. Movement of the bolt 134 and plate 920
can position and removably secure the bar 100 with respect to a leg
102, 104, for example.
FIG. 11 depicts an example view of an end clamp 130, 140 using a
single clamp bolt design. The clamp bolt 134, 136, 144, 146 secures
the stabilizer 100 to the leg 102, 104, while the other side of the
clamp 130, 140 provides stabilization to the leg 102, 104.
FIG. 12 shows an example view of an end clamp 130, 140 using a
multiple clamp bolt design. The clamp bolts 134, 136, 144, 146
secure the stabilizer 100 to the leg 102, 104 while providing
stabilization to the leg 102, 104 in addition to the other side of
the clamp 130, 140.
Thus, a variety of clamping mechanisms 130, 140 can enable the
stabilizer bar 100 to be adaptively configured and positioned to
secure the legs 102, 104 of a standing and/or other adjustable
height desk, table, etc. FIG. 13 illustrates an example height
adjustable desk frame 1300 without the stabilizer bar 100. A leg
1310 of the desk 1300 is secured only at the top, allowing
significant horizontal motion 1320 due to a possible twisting or
swinging motion 1330 of the leg 1310. In contrast, FIG. 14 shows
the example height adjustable desk 1300 with the stabilizer 100
between the legs 1310, 1312. The stabilizer 100 greatly reduces the
twisting or swinging motion 1410 of the leg 1310 (and of the leg
1312), thereby reducing the horizontal motion 1420 of the desk
1300.
FIG. 15 shows an example top-down view of the stabilizer clamp
portion 130 secured to a large size desk leg 102. The clamp 130,
140 is able to open far enough to fit larger desk legs such as
this. FIG. 16 shows an example top-down view of the stabilizer
clamp 130 secured to a small size desk leg 102. The clamp 130, 140
is able to close far enough to fit smaller desk legs such as
this.
FIG. 17 shows an example front view of the stabilizer clamp 130,
140 secured to the desk leg 102, 104 using a single clamp bolt
design. FIG. 18 shows an example front view of the stabilizer clamp
130, 140 secured to the desk leg 102, 104 using a multiple clamp
bolt design.
Example Methods of Manufacture
FIG. 19 illustrates a flow diagram of an example method of
manufacturing and/or otherwise forming the stabilizer bar 100. The
stabilizer bar 100 can be formed via one or more manufacturing
processes such as mold casting, slush casting, sheet metal molding,
CNC machining, turning, sand casting, investment casting, die
casting, etc. While examples above discuss the stabilizer bar 100
as made of metal, in certain examples, the stabilizer bar 100 can
be formed from plastic and/or other composite material formed form
injection molding, thermoforming, rotomoting, CNC machining,
etc.
At block 1910, the first segment 110 of the stabilizer bar 100 is
formed. For example, a length, width, and depth of the segment 110
is defined, and holes/openings 112 are formed in the segment 110 to
allow for adjustability of the segment 110 in the bar 100. The
segment 110 can be formed from a rigid material (e.g., spring
steel, mild steel, aluminum, etc.) sufficient to stabilize the leg
102 and support stress from leg 102 and/or associated desk/table
motion, for example. In certain examples, the material (e.g.,
metal, composite, plastic, etc.) used to form the segment 110 can
be treated, such as with paint, rust inhibitor, etc.
At block 1920, the second segment 120 of the stabilizer bar 100 is
formed. For example, a length, width, and depth of the segment 120
is defined, and holes/openings 122 are formed in the segment 120 to
allow for adjustability of the second segment 120 with respect to
the first segment 110 to define a length of the stabilizer bar 100.
The segment 120 can be formed from a rigid material (e.g., spring
steel, mild steel, aluminum, etc.) sufficient to stabilize the leg
104 and support stress from leg 104 and/or associated desk/table
motion, for example. In certain examples, the material (e.g.,
metal, composite, plastic, etc.) used to form the segment 120 can
be treated, such as with paint, rust inhibitor, etc.
At block 1930, the first clamp portion 130 is formed such as
through bending and/or fusing of metal segments to enable
positioning and tightening of the stabilizer bar 100 with respect
to the leg 102. Simultaneously or separately, at block 1940, the
second clamp portion 140 is formed such as through bending and/or
fusing of metal segments to enable positioning and tightening of
the stabilizer bar 100 with respect to the leg 104.
At block 1950, the second segment 120 is arranged with respect to
the first segment 110. For example, the second segment 120 can be
slid and/or otherwise positioned over the first segment 110, or
vice versa. The position of the second segment 120 with respect to
the first segment 110 can be removably secured with one or more
screws, bolts, etc., 132, 142. For example, the screws 132, 142 can
be tightened but are able to be loosened and moved to another hole
112, 122, etc.
At block 1960, one or more bolts, screws, and/or pins 134, 136,
144, 146 are inserted in the clamp portions 130, 140. For example,
the clamp portion 130, 140 can be formed at block 1930 such as
shown in one or more of FIGS. 9-12, 16-18, etc. The
bolt/screw/pin/etc. 134, 136, 144, 146 can be inserted to removably
affix the clamp 130, 140 to the leg 102, 104 and enable adjustment
(e.g., adjusting of the screw/bolt/pin/etc. 134, 136, 144, 146,
etc.) to fine tune positioning and tightness of the stabilizer bar
100 with respect to the legs 102, 104, for example.
At block 1970, the stabilizer bar 100 is output for installation,
other use, etc. For example, the stabilizer bar 100 can be packaged
and sold, shipped, displayed, etc., for purchase, use, etc.
While a certain example method 1900 of manufacturing the stabilizer
bar is disclosed and described above, one or more of the elements,
processes and/or devices illustrated in FIG. 1900 can be combined,
divided, re-arranged, omitted, eliminated and/or implemented in any
other way.
"Including" and "comprising" (and all forms and tenses thereof) are
used herein to be open ended terms. Thus, whenever a claim employs
any form of "include" or "comprise" (e.g., comprises, includes,
comprising, including, having, etc.) as a preamble or within a
claim recitation of any kind, it is to be understood that
additional elements, terms, etc. may be present without falling
outside the scope of the corresponding claim or recitation. As used
herein, when the phrase "at least" is used as the transition term
in, for example, a preamble of a claim, it is open-ended in the
same manner as the term "comprising" and "including" are open
ended. The term "and/or" when used, for example, in a form such as
A, B, and/or C refers to any combination or subset of A, B, C such
as (1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) A with B, (5) A with
C, (6) B with C, and (7) A with B and with C.
Thus, certain examples provide an adjustable stabilizer bar
including: a first segment having a first end and a second end; a
second segment having a first end and a second end, the first end
of the second segment to at least partially overlap the second end
of the first segment; an attachment mechanism to position the
second segment with respect to the first segment; a first clamping
portion at the first end of the first segment to removably affix
the first segment to a first furniture element; and a second
clamping portion at the second end of the second segment to
removably affix the second segment to a second furniture
element.
Certain examples provide a method of manufacturing an adjustable
stabilizer bar. The example method includes forming a first segment
having a first end and a second end. The example method includes
forming a second segment having a first end and a second end, the
first end of the second segment to at least partially overlap the
second end of the first segment. The example method includes
positioning the second segment with respect to the first segment
with an attachment mechanism. The example method includes forming a
first clamping portion at the first end of the first segment to
removably affix the first segment to a first furniture element. The
example method includes forming a second clamping portion at the
second end of the second segment to removably affix the second
segment to a second furniture element. The example method includes
outputting the adjustable stabilizer bar.
Certain examples provide an adjustable stabilizer bar apparatus
including: means for attaching a first segment with respect to a
second segment; first means for clamping to a first furniture
element; and second means for clamping to a second furniture
element.
From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that example methods,
apparatus and articles of manufacture have been disclosed that
provide a new stabilizer bar that can be positioned to support a
standing desk, height adjustable desk, height adjustable table,
etc. The disclosed methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture
improve existing standing/height-adjustable desks/tables by
improving stability and increasing usability of a full range of
height adjustment, enabling the desk/table to be stable when fully
extended as well as when fully retracted. The disclosed apparatus,
articles of manufacture, methods, etc., provide an adjustable
stabilizer bar with both gross adjustment (e.g., positioning of
multiple segments with respect to each other to define the length
of the stabilizer bar, etc.) and fine adjustment (e.g., adjusting
the clamp mechanism to help ensure secure, stable, fitted support
by the bar between legs of a desk, table, etc.).
Although certain example methods, apparatus and articles of
manufacture have been disclosed herein, the scope of coverage of
this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent
covers all methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly
falling within the scope of the claims of this patent.
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References